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The question is 'why start a popcorn business'? The
answer is also easy. The business is very simple and you can earn 100% profit
on each product.

The business is profitable and you need very little
startup capital. You can start small and upscale as the business grows.

The news gets better because the product is in high
demand and there are many sales outlets. Every age group loves the simple snack
and its ideal for leisure activities. The equipment is basic, raw material
abundant and is practicable from home.

Pros
for Starting a Popcorn Business

earn 100% profit
on each product

the business is
profitable

very little
startup capital

easy to upscale

the product is
in high demand

many sales
outlets

every age group loves
the snack

ideal for
leisure activities

the equipment is
basic

raw material
abundant

practicable from
home

Equipment

The equipment to make the snack is simple and basic. You
need popcorn making machine and adequate supply of the raw material.

There are two types of machines the manual and electric
machine. The manual machine is reliant on gas and requires occasional handle
turns.

They are cheap, cost effective however the price of gas
could spiral if unchecked. You need a gas cylinder and cooker to operate the
manual machine.

The more convenient one is the electric powered popcorn
machine. It is cleaner and faster. The electric machine is costlier and you
need to factor utility bills. There is a third machine that is a hybrid between
the gas and electric machine.

the manual
popcorn machine

electric popcorn
machine

hybrid popcorn
machine

sealing machine

label

nylon bags

Sealing
Machine

If you wish to go commercial and sell huge amount of
popcorn you need proper packaging. The common way is to package the popcorn in
nylon bags or seal. The sealing machine is ideal for mass production and
branding. There are simple hand sealers and table top sealing machines.

Branding

Branding is important in the popcorn business. This is
because the product is the same except minor differentiations like quantity of
sugar, butter or salt. To brand your product print a small label and place
inside each bag. The label should contain the product name, logo, office
address and phone number.

Nylon
Bags

If you can’t afford to buy a sealing machine you can use
nylon bags. Although this is a simple practical solution it is not ideal for
large commercial ventures.

Raw
Materials

The raw material
is a special type of corn. The popcorn has a tough exterior and soft inner core
that pops when heated. You can use the rice popcorn or pearl popcorn.

Ingredient

Popcorn is made by adding ingredient for a rich delicious
taste. Some add only sugar to make sugar tasting popcorn. While other prefers
adding only salt, butter or milk. The producer needs to find their own flavor
or taste to differentiate their product.

Marketing

To reach customers you need commercial outlets for your
produce. Focus on supermarkets, small grocery stores, provision stores and
snack bars. You can sell to students, theater lovers or hire sales gents to
hawk your products. Best locations are busy areas with heavy human presence.